The City of San Fernando is holding a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Cultural Festival this Saturday, inviting residents and community members to come and build their own altars in honor of their loved ones.
On Oct. 29, starting at 9 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the corner of Macneil Street and Third Street, the public will be able to view the ofrendas/altars to remember and acknowledge those who have passed away.
Those who want to build an altar need to keep in mind that they must be completed on the day before the event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Altar spaces are on a first come, first serve basis, and no space size can exceed 10 feet by 10 feet. Altars can be set up on the ground or on tables. Weights are permitted but staking to the ground is not. Canopies will only be allowed in the designated canopy area.
Participants must provide their own altar items — tables, tablecloths, decorations, etc. — and no flame candles or smoke-producing items will be allowed. Battery-operated candles will be permitted.
There will be entertainment, art exhibits, and several activities for children including face painting, children’s workshops and a photo booth. Various food and merchandise will also be sold by vendors.
The Mesoamerican Ballgame Association of San Fernando will demonstrate how the game is played and will recruit new players for those who are interested. The public will be invited to play.
“[The festival] gives a good opportunity for the community to come out and get in touch with their roots,” said Julian Venegas, director of Recreation and Community Services in the City of San Fernando. “The entertainment is all geared towards that … so it’s a good event to come out and enjoy a good time with your family.”